busy at home

Isn't checking off a list wonderful? I have started using Google Tasks and now every time I check my e-mail (a jillion times a day) my to-do list stares me in the face. Thankfully, I had a wide open day to complete my tasks and get in some Seinfeld+snuggle time with my cute husband.

-wash dishes, clean kitchen
-finish unpacking suitcase (from last weekend...)
-organize closet
-clean out purses
-errands: grocery returns, grocery shopping, Bed Bath and Beyond shopping
-dry and put away dishes
-mail letter
-walk dog
-organize coupons
-organize papers clipped to fridge
-go to the gym
-strength workout at home
-homework for discipleship

Here are some pics of my newly organized closet!

I'm dropping off 7 pairs of shoes tomorrow at Goodwill. These were the survivors.
Some are hidden by the clothes.

color-coded summer+fall clothes (winter still packed away)
my floppy boots, my brand new Real Simple purse organizer
(which wasn't as awesome as I had hoped because most of my bags don't fit well
and it doesn't look nearly as neat and tidy as the sample pics)

sweaters up top with pants and skirts (not pictured) below

My homework for discipleship time w/ my friend and incredible mentor Jenny was to research what God says about the work of women. I chose this assignment for myself because I am not making an income right now and I get easily frustrated and saddened when people ask "what do you do?" and then give me a blank look when I say that I am a homemaker. I was greatly encouraged and motivated after reading the following verses!

Proverbs 14:1 (think about what the foolish wife would be like)
Proverbs 31:10-31 (my life goal!!!)
1 Timothy 5:9-15 (this is referring to widows, but I still found it helpful)
Titus 2:3-5 (where I took the title of this post from)

I really focused on the Proverbs 31 woman during my study. She is one classy lady! Based on the passage, these are the reasons I came up with for why her husband had full confidence in her:
He can depend on her to care of the house
He doesn’t have to wonder if she is being lazy
He knows she will feed and clothe her family
She is kind to others, she has many skills, she is physically fit, she brings in an income, she has poise, is respectable, has confidence in herself, she is wise, she speaks the truth, she has joy
His children praise their mother for living a holy life
His wife has faith in God

Here is the NIV translation of Proverbs 31:10-31 (author's emphasis)


10 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

 11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

 12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

 13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

 14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

 15 She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

 16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

 19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

 20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

 22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

 26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

 29 “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

 31 Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.